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Associate
Professional Bio
Matthew (Matt) Schuster has more than 25 years of experience leading community-based and public media organizations through periods of growth, transition, and innovation. He is the Executive Director of Public Media Network (PMN) in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he has led a multi-year transformation of the organization into a multi-platform civic media hub focused on trusted local information, community storytelling, digital engagement, and long-term sustainability.
At PMN, Matt guided the development and implementation of a five-year strategic plan, launched community journalism and documentary storytelling initiatives, expanded distribution across digital platforms including streaming, apps, podcasting, and short-form video, and strengthened partnerships with municipalities, nonprofits, educators, and local media organizations. Under his leadership, PMN secured more than $1 million in foundation support, built a growing individual donor program, and developed earned revenue and branded content services that diversified funding and reduced reliance on a single revenue source.
Previously, Matt served as Executive Director of TV Santa Barbara, where he diversified revenue, expanded community partnerships, launched youth media initiatives, and led the build-out of a community media center. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles in government media with Louisville Metro Government, Lake County, Illinois, and Meridian Township, Michigan, where media operations received repeated national recognition for excellence in government programming.
Matt is a frequent speaker on community media, civic storytelling, fundraising, and organizational strategy. He served six years on the National Board of Directors of the Alliance for Community Media, including two years as Board Chair, and received the National Buske Leadership Award in 2013. He holds a Master’s degree from Michigan State University and a Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.
At PMN, Matt guided the development and implementation of a five-year strategic plan, launched community journalism and documentary storytelling initiatives, expanded distribution across digital platforms including streaming, apps, podcasting, and short-form video, and strengthened partnerships with municipalities, nonprofits, educators, and local media organizations. Under his leadership, PMN secured more than $1 million in foundation support, built a growing individual donor program, and developed earned revenue and branded content services that diversified funding and reduced reliance on a single revenue source.
Previously, Matt served as Executive Director of TV Santa Barbara, where he diversified revenue, expanded community partnerships, launched youth media initiatives, and led the build-out of a community media center. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles in government media with Louisville Metro Government, Lake County, Illinois, and Meridian Township, Michigan, where media operations received repeated national recognition for excellence in government programming.
Matt is a frequent speaker on community media, civic storytelling, fundraising, and organizational strategy. He served six years on the National Board of Directors of the Alliance for Community Media, including two years as Board Chair, and received the National Buske Leadership Award in 2013. He holds a Master’s degree from Michigan State University and a Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.
Company \ Agency Member
Public Media Network
Public Media Network
Associate